> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2247467-lead-data-platform-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2247467-lead-data-platform-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Data Platform Engineer - **Company:** SR2 - **Location:** Greater London, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £80,000.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Amazon Web Services, Cloud Computing, Information Engineering, Data Infrastructure, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Python (Programming Language), Systems Integration, Data Management, Data Pipelines - **Published:** August 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.collegerecruiter.com/job/2815152304-lead-data-platform-engineer ## About the Role * Strong experience with Python and AWS (essential) * Background in data platforms, data engineering or data-heavy systems * Experience building or working with ETL pipelines and data infrastructure * Ability to operate in ambiguous, research-driven environments * Strong communication skills - able to influence both engineers and non-technical stakeholders Exposure to scientific environments (bioinformatics, research tooling, R, etc.) is a bonus, but not essential. ## Description Technical Lead - Data & Cloud Platforms £80,000 | London | Hybrid (1-2 days onsite) | 12-Month FTC Some technical roles are about building systems. This one is about enabling drug discovery. You'll join a research and innovation team working at the intersection of engineering and science, building platforms that support bioinformatics and computational chemistry teams in developing new therapies. The work is complex, data-heavy and genuinely meaningful - the kind of environment where your technical decisions directly influence research outcomes. This is a hands-on Technical Lead role, not a people management position. You'll operate as a senior individual contributor, providing technical direction across cloud platforms, data pipelines and integration challenges. You'll work closely with architects and scientific stakeholders, translating research needs into scalable, production-ready systems. The environment is ambiguous and evolving - they need someone who can bring clarity, make decisions and drive delivery, not just contribute code. A big part of the role is connecting the dots: What you'll be doing * Leading technical delivery across AWS-based data platforms * Designing and improving data pipelines, ETL processes and integrations * Working closely with research teams to translate complex requirements into solutions * Providing technical direction across engineering teams and initiatives * Getting hands-on where needed, or bringing in the right expertise to deliver What will make you a fit * Strong experience with Python and AWS (essential) * Background in data platforms, data engineering or data-heavy systems * Experience building or working with ETL pipelines and data infrastructure * Ability to operate in ambiguous, research-driven environments * Strong communication skills - able to influence both engineers and non-technical stakeholders Exposure to scientific environments (bioinformatics, research tooling, R, etc.) is a bonus, but not essential. Why this role stands out * Work directly supporting drug discovery and scientific research * High-impact role without moving into management * Complex, intellectually challenging environment * Strong autonomy and ownership * Long-term programme with likely extension This is a role for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working across disciplines, and turning ideas into real, working systems in environments where the answers aren't always obvious. If that sounds like your kind of challenge, this is worth a conversation. ## Related Videos - [From Messy Queries to Scalable Systems - How Data Engineering actually works](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100203-from-messy-queries-to-scalable-systems-how-data-engineering-actually-works) - [It's all about the Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/425-it-s-all-about-the-data) - [Green Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/592-green-cloud-computing) - [Why and when should we consider Stream Processing frameworks in our solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1085-why-and-when-should-we-consider-stream-processing-frameworks-in-our-solutions) - [Python-Based Data Streaming Pipelines Within Minutes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1233-python-based-data-streaming-pipelines-within-minutes) - [Implementing continuous delivery in a data processing pipeline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/73-implementing-continuous-delivery-in-a-data-processing-pipeline) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [Fullstack Developer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/251-fullstack-developer-salary-uk) - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [Top Big Data Technologies That You Need to Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/108-top-big-data-technologies-that-you-need-to-know)